The Derbyshire Redcap (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a type of chicken that is indigenous to the United Kingdom. They are a small, hardy breed with a broad chest, clean legs, and a friendly disposition. This breed is especially popular in the United Kingdom and is seen as a dual-purpose breed, with the ability to lay eggs and provide meat.
The Derbyshire Redcap’s most striking feature is its beautiful, striking plumage. This breed has a dominant gene that causes the feathers to be various shades of chestnut or red on the back, wings and tail, resulting in an absolutely beautiful bird. The beak and ear lobes are a pale yellow or white color, while the legs are usually yellow or orange. Depending on the variety, there are also cream and black feathers present, along with some other hints of color.
The Derbyshire Redcap is a hardy and adaptable breed, making them a great choice for both rural and urban settings. They are generally quite tolerant of both warm and cold climates, as well as many different types of diets. This hardiness also makes them a good choice for free-range farms and other outdoor settings where they are able to forage for food.
The Derbyshire Redcap is an active and lively breed, although they are not known for being particularly noisy. They tend to be very curious and adventurous, often exploring their environment and enjoying attention from their owners. They also do well with other animals, making them an excellent choice for households with other pets.
When it comes to eggs, the Derbyshire Redcap is a fairly good layer, producing small to medium eggs. They tend to lay an average of three to four eggs per week and the eggs tend to have a white to pale yellow shell. The breed is not known for its meat quality however, so it is not the best choice for people looking for a dual-purpose bird.
The Derbyshire Redcap is a beautiful and unique breed. With its striking colours and gentle nature, it is an excellent addition to any flock. They are a hardy breed and quite adaptable, making them a great choice for a variety of owners. Plus, they are fairly good egg producers, so they can be a great addition to a homestead.